2012 BMW X1 · 18,464 MOT tests
2012 BMW X1 reliability
2012 BMW X1s fail 27.2% of first MOT tests, 21% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 12 of 13 X1 years (18,464 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW X1s: 16.4%)
- 27.2%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW X1s: 16.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 21% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- 88,705
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 18,464
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: 27% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- 2013 cars: 23% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- Weak spot: tyres, 8% of tests fail here (11% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 56% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2012 car carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Common problems
What fails on a 2012 BMW X1
Fail rate by area
- Suspension8.7%
- Lights and electrics8.1%
- Tyres8%
- Brakes6.3%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.1%
- Body, chassis and structure1.8%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.5%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 4.38%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.85%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 2.17%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 1.97%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 1.74%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 1.66%
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (17.41%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (7.8%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.74%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (6.33%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (3.86%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (3.27%)
Other years
Every BMW X1 year
The full picture: BMW X1 reliability. Before you pay for any BMW X1, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2012 BMW X1 reliable?
2012 BMW X1s fail 27.2% of first MOT tests, 21% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 12 of 13 X1 years (18,464 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 BMW X1 MOT?
Most often suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn (4.38% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.85% of tests), tyre ply or cords exposed (2.17% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 BMW X1 have done?
At its MOT aged about 11, a typical 2012 BMW X1 shows 88,705 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2012 car?
A car first registered in 2012 carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
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